David McSweeney seeks IEPA investigation into drinking water lead levels

By NORTHWEST HERALD

May 18, 2016

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David McSweeney State Representative 52 District candidate

State Rep. David McSweeney is calling on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to examine lead levels in Illinois’ drinking water supplies, he said in a news release.

“We are learning through media reports that some water systems could have lead levels exceeding federal standards,” said McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills. “This is our drinking water we are talking about here. The IEPA needs to investigate this closely and report back to us on how widespread this problem really is. This problem needs to be addressed now.”

According to recent media reports, some public water systems have had tests showing lead levels exceeding federal standards.

“We cannot have another Flint, Michigan,” McSweeney said in the news release. “We have to get to the bottom of this and take care of it before we have a truly disastrous situation on our hands.”

McSweeney filed House Joint Resolution 153, which directs the IEPA to conduct a study of lead in Illinois drinking water. The study would begin immediately, and the IEPA will have to issue a comprehensive report no later than Dec. 31, according to the news release.

“Part of the problem in Flint was that the public was not getting accurate information,” McSweeney said. “We can and should prevent something like that from happening here. The only way we can solve this problem is to get accurate information. If we have learned anything from Flint, it should be that we need to start working on this sooner rather than later.”

House Joint Resolution 153 has been introduced and awaits assignment to a legislative committee.